Meng, Yang book final berth in men's C2 1,000m
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2004-08-26 08:47

Favored Chinese Meng Guanliang and Yang Wenjun placed third in Wednesday's semifinals of the Olympic canoeing men's C2 1000m, thus making it to Friday's final, their second final berth after that in men's C2 500m.

The C2 1,000m semifinal was the closest race of the day as the first three qualifying boats were separated by only 0.916 seconds.

Chinese Meng Guanliang and Yang Wenjun power to finish first during the Men's C2 500m heats for the Athens 2004 Olympic Games at the Schinias Rowing and Canoeing Center, outside Athens. [Reuters]

Spanish Alfredo Bea and David Mascato, fourth placers in the Sydney Olympic Games, won the race, edging Richard Dalton and Michael Scarola of Canada into second place.

Yang, disturbed by the waves, was satisfied with their performance. "It would be better without the disturbing waves, which made the race tough," he said.

"But it didn't matter because we came out the top three and gained another final berth," Yang said. "With two chances at hand, we will try to win a medal."

However, Chinese coach Duan Nanbei said that the duo were not as confident as when they competed in men's C2 500m.

"Their endurance should be enhanced," Duan said.

Jing Ying of China, finishing sixth in a semifinal of the men's C1 1000m, was eliminated. The top three boats from the Czech Republic, Hungary and Slovakia qualified for the final.

Two-time gold medalist, Czech Martin Doktor crossed the finish line without great effort, seeming to go for another medal.

Chinese pair in the men's K2 1,000m Yin Yijun and Wang Lei were finally disqualified because they competed too close to the buoy line from the 950m until the finish line.

Belgian pair of Wouter D Haene and Bob Maesen, silver medalist sat the 2003 world championships, beat defending champions Antonio Rossi and Beniamino Bonomi of Italy in the semis. Both boats plus third placed Hungary went through to Friday's final.

The semis of another three events also took place. The semis for six categories are slated for Thursday while 12 golds will be decided with six each on Friday and Saturday.

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